New research has revealed nearly half of small to medium sized (SME) construction firms are struggling to hire skilled labourers.

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) State of Trade Survey for Q4 2016 states around 46% of SMEs are reporting difficulties hiring roofs, while 41% are struggling to recruit plumbers.

Shortages of electricians and plasterers are also at their highest point in four years, while output prices, wages and salaries are all expected to rise over the next six months.

In addition, the SME sector has experienced 15 consecutive quarters of growth, however growth has slowed for the second quarter in a row.


Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said the statistics shows skills shortages' are now "seeping into other key trades".

"Indeed, of the 15 key trades and occupations we monitor, 40% show skills shortages at their highest point since we started to feel the effects of the skills crisis in 2013 when the industry bounced back post-downturn," he said.

"This growing skills deficit is driving up costs for small firms and simultaneously adding to the pressure being felt by soaring material prices linked to the weaker pound."

Mr Berry added that Government plans for a 'hard Brexit' could affect the shortage by restricting the free movement of people.

"Our sector relies heavily on skilled labour from the EU, with 12% of the British construction workforce being of non-UK origin," he continued.

"As the construction industry represents around 7% of UK GDP, it's in no one's interest to pull the rug out from under the sector by introducing an inflexible and unresponsive immigration system."

(LM/MH)